Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh commemorate next generation of Staffordshire in cadet milestone

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have commemorated the next generation of police cadets in Staffordshire following the scheme’s ten-year anniversary.

Their Royal Highnesses met with a number of junior and senior cadets at our headquarters yesterday (5 March) in the first royal visit in the force since 2011.

Since the cadet programme was launched in 2013, a team of selfless volunteers from the force have been shaping the future generation of Staffordshire in specialist sessions that are delivered to primary school children across the county.

The programme receives proceeds of crime funding allocated by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, and helps to build strong relationships with local people. They are taught about policing, how to be a good citizen and important life skills that will help them to look out for one another and make Staffordshire the safest place it can be.

Launched by the previous Staffordshire Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, and championed by current Commissioner Ben Adams, the cadet scheme has helped to shape the futures of around 9,500 young people across the county in its proud history.

To mark the momentous occasion, Their Royal Highnesses joined in with a few sessions that were delivered to our newest group of cadets alongside Chief Constable Chris Noble.

They helped to create a collage of art that shows the effect anti-social behaviour can have on people, how to operate a radio and search for a missing person, how to take a fingerprint and how to work as a team to build a shelter and solve complex problems.

After speaking with a number of them, Their Royal Highnesses unveiled a plaque to mark the visit that will be proudly displayed at our headquarters in Stafford.

The Duke of Edinburgh also handed out certificates to a number of adult volunteer leaders, including police officers and police staff, who have volunteered their own time to help with the programme in Staffordshire.

Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams, who has led on the cadet programme since it started, said: “Today’s visit marks a special end to our tenth year of the scheme.

“Since 2013, the cadet programme has been delivered across the county to thousands of young people who live in Staffordshire. I am delighted that 60 of those cadets could meet Their Royal Highnesses today and show them some of the variety of activities the programme undertakes.

“I am indebted to the police officers, police staff and police support volunteers who give their own time to deliver the senior programme across our ten local policing areas. It is wonderful that our longest-serving volunteers were recognised by The Duke and Duchess today.

“The police cadet programme was introduced to strengthen the relationship between the police and young people across the county. Over the last decade, we have worked closely with local communities across the county to support them in their development and help build the next generation of our county.’’

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “A decade ago, the previous Commissioner created the cadet scheme, and I have continued to champion it with funds allocated from proceeds of crime.

“The scheme has continued to go from strength to strength ever since, helping thousands of young people to make a difference in their communities while at the same time developing their own skills and confidence. I’m delighted to see their achievements celebrated with yesterday's Royal visit.”